Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the "frequently asked questions" page. If you still can't find the answer you're looking for, send us an e-mail at info@vplaser.com or give us a call at: 314-971-LAZR (5297)

How Do Lasers Remove Tattoos?

All tattoos naturally fade over time. If you waited two hundred years your tattoo would be almost completely faded. The laser speeds up this process by breaking up the tattoo ink into much smaller particles that can be cleared faster by your own immune system. Essentially the laser is a strong and focused beam of light that passes through the upper layers of skin to the particles of pigment in your tattoo. The laser light heats and vibrates the ink into smaller particles that can be taken away by your immune system. The Medlite C6 laser pulse is so short (one billionth of a second) that the surrounding skin is not affected or scarred.

Does it hurt?

Pain is your personal perception and everyone experiences it differently. Most people describe the sensation to be similar to having a rubber band snapped against their skin. The procedure is very fast and will be over before you know it.

My tattoo has lots of colors. Can it be removed?

The Medlite C6 laser is the only laser on the market that has the option of four different wavelengths (or colors) allowing it to selectively erase a whole spectrum of colors including sky blue, green, orange, brown, etc. Most lasers are only capable of putting out one wavelength, which significantly limits their ability to treat colors selectively without causing scarring or pigment changes. Some colors may require more treatments, but they can be usually removed.

What Colors Are The Most Resistant?

Yellow, white, flesh tones, brown and fluorescent colors can by very challenging. Becasue these inks may contain metals or plastics they usually require more treatments. In fact, there is a chance that some of these colors may even darken after laser treatment.

Some colors cannot be removed. Certain shades of purples, pinks, yellow, and white are examples of colors that may not be removable.

Will it be gone after my first treatment?

There are several different factors involved in determining how many treatments your particular tattoo will require, how your body and your tattoo ink responds to the laser will dictate the amount of subsequent treatments.

I had a treatment a week ago and it seems all healed. Can I come back sooner than six weeks?

Healing is not the reason for the spacing of your treatments. The laser does not expel the ink, it breaks it up so your body's immune system can take it away. If you treat your tattoo too frequently, the laser is simply targeting the ink your body hasn't had the chance to remove, and you pay more for the same result.

How many treatments are needed?

In many cases, using a Medlite C6 laser will result in greater than 95% fading of a tattoo. However, it is very important to note that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep it was installed, or how much was used, makes it impossible for the technician to predict how well any given tattoo will respond.There are several different factors involved in determining how many treatments your particular tattoo will require, how your body and your tattoo ink responds to the laser will dictate the amount of subsequent treatments.

In general, most amateur tattoos require 1 - 6 treatments,While professional tattoos usually require 5-15 treatments,all spaced approximately 6 - 8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. Very rarely, more than ten treatments may be needed. Traumatic tattoos (pencil lead, asphalt and dirt embedded in the skin can leave a permanent "tattoo") usually respond with 1 - 4 treatments.

Are there any limitations after treatment?

You may resume all activities soon after treatment, provided you ensure the area is not rubbed or scratched. If you are in the sun, you should cover the treated area to prevent sunburn until the skin has healed.

Is there any healing period after the treatment?

In the first 24 hours after treatment, ice the area periodically along with rest and elevation of the treated site. It's also a good idea to limit physical activities and avoid saunas, swimming.

After 24 hours you can use Aloe-Cort cream twice a day to moisturize the area. DO NOT pop blisters or pick scabs as this will make you more prone to scarring and infection. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds during the healing process. Wait 6-8 weeks between treatments. It is also safe to resume physical activities. Swimming is to be avoided if not fully healed.

I love this tattoo, but there's this one part that bugs me. Can I have just a piece of it removed?

Yes. We can take the face off your pin-up girl to have it redone. We can take just the name off the banner across your heart. Our lasers are very accurate.

I have permanent make-up (lip liner, eyeliner, eyebrows). Can you remove it?

We do not treat these types of tattoos. Some cosmetic inks have metallic bases. When the laser comes in contact with these inks, it can turn black. Be cautious of anyone who says they can effectively remove cosmetic ink. Once this darkening occurs, it cannot be removed by any laser. You may end up with permanent black lip liner. Tattooed eyeliner cannot be removed due to the danger of the laser near the eye, and the ink in permanent eyebrows could migrate up the forehead causing a shadow effect.

Will I have a scar?

Most patients will not scar, however, scarring is a possibility in any medical procedure involving the skin. If you are predisposed to Keloids, or you scar easily, your chances are higher. Compliance with our aftercare instructions will greatly reduce your chances of scarring.

What is the Best Laser Available For Tattoo Removal?

The high energy, short pulse technology of the Medlite C6 allows tattoos to be treated with minimal risk of scarring and less discomfort than any other laser system. It's unique ability to output four different wavelengths allow it to treat more colors than any other laser. The state-of-the-art Medlite is the laser of choice for advanced tattoo removal.

How much will it cost?

We measure tattoos in square inches. Our prices start at $99 per treatment. You will be given a more accurate outlook of number of treatments and estimated cost when you come in for your free consultation. Remember, we started this business to make this wonderful technology affordable for everyone. A square inch is about the size of one postage stamp. A business card is six square inches. To determine how many square inches your tattoo is, measure the length and the width and multiply those numbers together to get the total square inches. Note that we do not charge for areas in your tattoo where there is no ink, and we charge less for lightly shaded areas. For this reason, a lot of people greatly overestimate the cost of their tattoo removal!